Gigastorm and BW Galvatron [Defender Version 07- Power of the Beast]

@robfromzonebase BW Galvatron [Transformers Blokees Defender Version 07-Power of the Beast] #zonebase #transformers #blokees #blokeestransformers #beastwars ♬ rondo - Uz:ME

Admittedly, I get pretty excited for just about every character Blokees includes in a Transformers Defender Version assortment. Of course, like the other Beast Wars characters they've released, I was ecstatic when these two were revealed. With Defender Version 07: Power of the Beast, Blokees dipped into the Japanese-exclusive Beast Wars series and included characters that have always been a really big deal to me. I was blown away to see both Galvatron and Gigastorm from Beast Wars II included. Frankly, it surprised me since there was already a version of G1 Galvatron in the assortment, and I never expected them to tackle something like Trypticon or Gigastorm in the Defender Version size class. This one still kind of blows my mind.

Galvatron serves as Lio Convoy's counterpart and the main villain of Beast Wars II. The Emperor of Destruction eventually becomes corrupted by Angolmois Energy and later falls under Unicron's influence during Beast Wars Neo. Depending on how you look at it, that technically makes his original toy the first Unicron action figure. For a long time, the original Beast Wars II Galvatron toy was considered one of the greatest Transformers toys ever made, and mine is still very special to me. I'm hoping to pick up the new version soon, but just like the other Beast Wars characters in this assortment, there's a lot of love attached to him. The kit itself does a great job capturing the character's look and even includes his signature Galva-Axe rather than a generic weapon.

In Beast Wars II, Galvatron has a younger brother named Megastorm, whose toy was a reuse of the original Generation 2 Megatron mold. Thanks to the effects of that pesky Angolmois Energy, he and several other Destrons were mutated into gnarly cyborg beast warriors. Megastorm became Gigastorm, who was created from a remold of the original Generation 1 Trypticon toy. At the time, both Megastorm and Gigastorm became affordable ways for fans to obtain molds they might have otherwise missed. Around the early 2000s, these toys seemed to sit on clearance at online retailers forever. Gigastorm was especially fun because he featured a large nose horn that somehow made an already giant dinosaur even more kaiju-like than Trypticon had been.

@robfromzonebase Gigastorm [Transformers Blokees Defender Version 07-Power of the Beast] #zonebase #transformers #blokees #blokeestransformers #blindbox ♬ 苦悩の聖人 (Saint of Suffering) - Akuma Dollz

Gigastorm is an especially impressive kit. While building him, I kept finding myself impressed by just how well Blokees adapted the design. Assembly follows a similar approach to other beast and dinosaur Defender Version kits, with a central frame surrounded by shell pieces that form the body. The limbs then plug into place around that structure. While this certainly isn't a Master Grade-style build or anything, I really enjoyed assembling the head. The horns fit through slots in the upper head section, which also houses the eyes. The lower jaw then attaches before the completed head connects to the neck and upper body. It's not especially complex, but it feels involved in a satisfying way.

I had actually built Dino Mode Sludge right before Gigastorm, whose head wasn't much simpler, yet somehow Gigastorm's assembly felt more substantial. The neck section is particularly fun, as it can be connected regardless of position but only looks correct when oriented properly. It's a small touch, but one I appreciated.

Another detail I absolutely loved was the inclusion of the tiny Gigascouter attached to his body, just like on the original toy. That's the sort of detail Blokees could have easily skipped, but they didn't. If you remove it, you'll even find a tiny molded Predacon/Destron symbol underneath. Again, they didn't have to do that, but they did. Those little extra touches are one of the reasons I enjoy these kits so much. Blokees could cut corners, but they usually don't.

Of course, seeing Gigastorm in this line immediately gets my imagination running wild. If they can do Gigastorm, then surely a Defender Version Trypticon can't be too far behind. I'd be completely on board with that. Honestly, I've always wanted a red Trypticon. Maybe they could even do a special version inspired by Starriors Cosmittor or Zoids Rex. I also hope Gigastorm's inclusion eventually leads to Megastorm, which in turn could pave the way for a proper Generation 2 Megatron.

That would be awesome.

Galvatron [Cyberworld/Armored Cyber Changers]

If you've been reading my posts revolving around the new Transformers Cyberworld toys, you've probably picked up that I really enjoy the creative designs. With that in mind, today's bot has the creative design thing out the wazoo. Galvatron arrives in the Cyberworld with one awesome look by transforming from robot into a mechanical dragon. He's also a Armored Cyber Changer, which is a step up from the standard Cyber Changers in that they come with a large accessories that works with both modes.

Galvatron's Armored Up bit is a gun/flamethrower that forms into a rocket pack for the dragon. Now that I think about it, these Armored upgrades are essentially the same idea as Mech Tech weapons from Dark of the Moon. I don't remember if I've made the comparisons to Action Masters before, but I really feel it with Galvatron. Thanks to the uniformity the Cyber Changers have, they're very similar to Action Masters in a lot of ways... except they Transform. The robot modes resemble them to me. Galvatron could have really been any other character. Part of me wonders if he originally was intended to be another bot. There is a resemblance to Skyscorchers in robot mode, just with the dragon head in place of a cockpit.

It's a cool beastly mechanical look. Add in his visor and handlebar mustache and he's basically an air brushed bit of art on a 80's metal band shirt. Pretty far out, I heard he worships the devil. The dragons tail and the Armored pack are weapons that can be held or pegged into the ports on his arms. It's not clear if the tail is meant to be a gun or a melee weapon, but after years of Beast Wars toys, I'm used to tails being used as non-de script weapons. The Armored pack can be either a gun, or with the flip of a switch a flame thrower. The flames can be rotated for appearances. It's a huge weapon that's a little heavy on his joints. Get ready for him to aim at the ground a lot.

Transformation is a lot like Bull Megatron. Like I said in that post, I'm pretty sure there's some shared engineering across similar shaped bots. It's not exactly the same, but a lot of it's very much the same. Dragon mode is really neat, his little mouth opens! Mechanical beast modes aren't new, and there's a certain old school charm about his design. Dragon mode feels like a combination of an old Tomy design, weird video game boss, and once again... inner robot Pretender alt mode. A very cool touch is the jet style wings. Toy's like G1 Sky Lynx or Twinferno from Robots in Disguise (2015) have the same idea and it's something I've always found cool. The tail plugs into his rear between the legs and that big Armored pack plugs in on top becoming a giant rocker booster. This toy is super far out and I love it. Cyberworld is turning out to be a lot of fun.

Galvatron [Legacy United/Core Class]

Say what you will about Energon, but the series had some really cool designs. I have vivid memories of Hasbro unveiling it at OTFCC 2003 to thunderous applause. I still like it to this day and feel like a look at the Transformers Legacy United Core Class Galvatron is in order! Galvatron, is not merely a repaint of the Core Class Energon Megatron, it's a repaint of him in (mostly) show accurate colors!

That's important as the original toy had it's differences while the Takara version was much closer (but not exact). Finally, 20 years later, we've got a (mostly) show accurate color toy. While I've covered much of the details about this toy in the Megatron post... I felt the urge to talk about something else as everything is the same here from that toy aside from the colors. The tank/sword weapon. What a weird combination, right? Of course the tank is meant to represent his former Armada body, the sword is an oddity. Instead of being a normal hand held weapon, it plugs into the tank. That's always been a bit strange. In the original toy, the sword would light up and a 'clang' noise would emit from the tank if pressed against something. That's a neat gimmick, sure, but most folks would rather a traditional sword for Megatron/Galvatron to hold. I can't say I'd be opposed to one either, but just took the whole thing in stride.

At the time, lot's of fans were finding work around for the toy so that it could hold the damn sword traditionally. From gluing handles, to using bread ties (I'm not kidding), to tethering it to his hand... folks were really focused on making it a hand held sword. I recall a garage kit version of the sword making the rounds. There was a Wonderfest Exclusive set to convert a Microman female body into Misha to match with Kicker. Maybe it came with it? The specifics of that are a little fuzzy but I remember a friend creating a harness with wire crystal clear. It was a strange, but fun time.

Galvatron (Kingdom)

 

When it comes to Transformers, the movie and it's post years are a particularly favored era for me. The space opera, far out designs, and darker tone improves what was already a solid formula. Galvatron is a much more interesting villain than the earlier version of Megatron. Like Rodimus Prime with Optimus, he influenced the writers when it came to making Megatron more interesting. It seems like that to me anyway. This Kingdom version is something of an anomaly. It's the Generations version of Galvatron and the Studio Series 86 toy as well. Like Cyclonus and Ultra Magnus, it's clearly intended to fill both roles.

Galvatron will be re-released in Legacy sans the signature War for Cybertron battle damage deco as well. I'm ok with or without it, but you may have your preferences. I'm not sure if I'll get that Legacy version, but am really tempted on the Pulse exclusive version. I just like Galvatron, and I'm pretty fond of this toy as well. I'll admit though, to date my favorite version has been the Energon version. It's a mix of classic and update that's also really cool. This however, is a strong contender for that spot. 

The toy is 100% classic Galvatron. Robot mode to laser cannon, everything looks and feels right. A nice little extra touch is replacing his classic rifle with one that looks like the ship Unicron gave him in the movie. Another extra is the Autobot Matrix of Leadership dangling from a chain to be worn around his neck like in the movie. The gun and Matrix can be utilized in cannon mode and add a little extra to an already cool toy. I like both modes, but don't like transforming it. It's not hard or anything, I just don't enjoy the transformation. I'm not sure of there's an official laser gun mode, but sure one can be pulled off. The original wasn't that amazing to begin with. 

Galvatron is one of those great characters that doesn't always get the best toys. Usually the better ones have an all new design as the original is pretty hard to pull off. His cartoon appearance took some liberties with the toy design that went on to define the character. This is a good version. It looks great in both modes and is a solid toy as well. Plenty of articulation, the cannon is sturdy, and everything serves a purpose. This is another Christmas gift from the Mrs and it's a great one. He's big, evil looking, and imposing. All hail Galvatron!

Armada Scavenger and Jetfire

Man, I loved Armada. Such a cool line with fun gimmicks and big chunky robots!

Japanese Ultra Magnus and Galvatron commercial

I love the production of this commercial. Like most Japanese toy commercials, this has a small tokusatsu style action sequence starring the toys and really selling the crap out of them! Though I have to wonder... what's the flaming V business at the beginning of the commercial? Just some random V's on fire floating around the screen. Random alphabet on fire aside, I just love how Ultra Magnus's transformation is detailed here. Just really showcasing the overall neatness of the toy. It's not just there, but Magnus is carrying Silverbolt with him in the opening shots selling his vehicle modes versatility. Galvatron is lurking overhead and attempts to get the jump on our hero, but Ultra Magnus just no sells it like Brock Lesner not even attempting to put on a show.

TTTRAAANNNSSSFFFFFOOOMMMMMAAAAAA

Lio Convoy vs Galvatron

A conversation in a group about Lio Convoy has got me looking back fondly at Beast Wars 2 toys. While basically a repaint line, Lio Convoy and Galvatron were original molds and pretty nice ones at that. Convoy was a bit fiddly to keep together in his robot mode due to his transformation, but still a really sharp looking toy. Galvatron was heralded as one of the best Transformers toys for years to come. I often say that beast era was my favorite time to be a fan, and I'll admit there's probably some rose tint in my memories, but I can't deny the complete joy I get from it still.

Put mah jet pants on

Armada toys were so stinking fun to get.